Mavericks: If this is sophomore Luka Doncic, what is his ceiling?

Free throws

Luka Doncic gets to the free throw line 9.1 times per game this season. That ranks fifth in the NBA behind only James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, and Jimmy Butler. The problem is Luka hits just 75.2 percent of those attempts.

That is an improvement too. Luka sank just 71.3 percent of his free throws as a rookie. There is significant room for growth still.

Doncic is more than capable. Over his first 25 games this season, Doncic hit 80.3 percent from the foul line. He suffered a sprained ankle against the Miami Heat on Dec. 14. That was game 25. Doncic missed the next four recovering.

Over his final 29 games, Luka has connected on just 70.6 percent. That is a disjointed sample as the 21-year-old missed time with a second ankle injury plus thumb and wrist ailments. All three things could have had an impact on his foul shooting.

Expect Doncic to make steady improvements in his free throw shooting. Harden made the leap from 80.8 percent as a rookie to a consistent 86 over the last seven years. Luka could be north of 80 as he reaches his prime. Every additional make adds a point to his scoring total as well.

Doncic should also get to the line more. It would not be surprising to see him lead the league in free throw attempts during his prime. Luka will get more whistles, and the 21-year-old never shies away from contact. Expect more free throws and a better connect rate coming from the Mavericks star.

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